The Spirit of Barton - The Barton Cheer and Dance Teams

Barton Cheer and Dance are two highly regarded programs that have been around for 30 plus years. We like to pride our programs on hard work and dedication. We strive to have the very best programs and want to keep striving for the highest standard. Read below to learn about each program, or contact Head Cheer Coach Amanda Schnoebelen or Head Dance Coach Sabrina (Boyd) Talbot.

The Barton Dance Program prides itself on being a Nationally Ranked Collegiate Dance Team. 

Barton provides a wonderful opportunity for you to receive an education while continuing an education in dance technique and performance. Interested in learning more about joining the Barton Dance team? Check out our membership information!

The Cougar Danz Force

Barton is home to one of the top nationally ranked collegiate dance teams in the nation. The Cougar Danz Force is a precision dance team that performs at basketball games, community events, and professional functions. The squad consists of 20-25 highly talented members that combine athleticism, grace and a love to perform. Each in-state dancer receives a full books and tuition scholarship. The organization also furnishes all uniforms, and traveling expenses, along with many other perks of being a member of the dance team.

Audition Requirements

Placement onto the prestigious Cougar Danz Force is done by a private audition for the head coach. Following the audition you will be informed that day of her decision. Requirements for the audition are as follows:

• 1 minute dance routine showcasing jazz, pom, and hip hop styles along with what technical skills you can do,
• Toe touch and leap sequence (center leaps, turning leaps or better),
• Turn sequence (Double and/or triple pirouette & turns in second position),
• If you do not wish to bring your own choreography, a tryout video with a routine can be sent for you to learn.

Please understand that potential is the main factor. We are here to teach you!

If interested in attending Barton as a member of the dance team you are invited to attend "Optionals." On Sunday and Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. an optional practice is held. Current members, newly signed members, and young dancers interested in the program are invited to attend. At the practice, you can work privately with the coach and/or dance team captains on the technique you will be learning as a member of the team. All are encouraged to attend. Please notify the coach prior to attending optional practice.

Dance Curriculum

The Dance curriculum (Associate in Art) is committed to the education of dancers by establishing a solid foundation of technical training coupled with artistic and aesthetic qualities and a rounded understanding of contemporary dance.

Barton is one of the only community colleges in the midwest offering an Associates of Arts Degree in dance. For a student who has the desire to enter a four year school as a dance major, this program provides the foundation needed to succeed.

Our resident student dance company is BDT (Barton Dance Theater). The company performs in the fall at the Wichita State University in the Kansas Dance Festival. In the spring BDT performs a dance concert at Barton. Throughout the academic year the BDT will have various additional opportunities to perform within the community.  More information can also be accessed on Barton's Fine and Performing Arts webpage.

Interested in becoming a Dance Team Member?

Please fill in the Dance Questionnaire. Your request will be forwarded to the dance coach to be contacted with more information.

Barton Cheer Team

The Barton Cheer team has also been competing for 30 plus years at National Cheer Association Collegiate Competition, also held in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Interested in becoming a Cheer Team Member?

Please fill in the Cheer Questionnaire. Your request will be forwarded to the dance coach to be contacted with more information.